Rock music icon Bruce Springsteen on Friday announced he is canceling his Sunday show in Greensboro, North Carolina, in response to the state’s passing of HB2, a new law that dictates which bathrooms transgender people can use.
The law also redefines the state’s definition of classes of people who are protected against discrimination, which does not include LGBT people.
“No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden. To my mind, it’s an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress,” Mr. Springsteen wrote in a Facebook post.
He said that he and his band wanted to show solidarity with groups that are working in the state to oppose and overcome the new law.
“As a result, and with deepest apologies to our dedicated fans in Greensboro, we have canceled our show scheduled for Sunday, April 10th,” Mr. Springsteen said.
“Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them. It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards,” he concluded.
Mr. Springsteen joins a slew of celebrities and businesses that have vowed not to travel to or do business in the state in response to the law, including Apple and Pay Pal.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
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